If you’re a college student in Georgia facing drug charges, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students get caught up in the criminal justice system for drug-related offenses. What happens next depends on understanding how Georgia courts handle these cases.
The good news? Georgia offers several paths that can help protect your future. The bad news? You need to know about them and act fast. One wrong move could mean the difference between graduating with your degree and having a criminal conviction that could follow you for the rest of your life.
Georgia doesn’t go easy on drug charges just because you’re a college student. In fact, the state takes drug offenses very seriously, with most drug possession charges classified as felonies.
Once you’re charged, the court process can begin immediately. You can have an arraignment or other hearings scheduled shortly after your arrest. Most cases resolve through negotiated agreements, rather than trials.
Many Georgia courts do consider certain factors when dealing with college students: first-time offender status, academic standing, community ties, future educational plans, and potential for rehabilitation.
However, being a student doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get lenient treatment. Courts are more interested in the specific circumstances of your case and your willingness to take responsibility.
Despite changing attitudes nationwide, Georgia still treats marijuana possession seriously. Under Georgia Code 16-13-30, possession of less than one ounce is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. More than one ounce becomes a felony with much harsher penalties.
Many students face charges for possessing prescription medications without a valid prescription. Common drugs include Adderall, Xanax, and pain medications. These charges often carry felony penalties.
Charges involving cocaine, MDMA, LSD, or other controlled substances are felonies in Georgia. Under Georgia Code 16-13-30, Schedule I and II substances carry penalties of 1-3 years for less than one gram, with sentences increasing based on the amount.
If police find scales, baggies, or large amounts of drugs, you could face distribution charges even if you never sold anything. These charges carry much heavier penalties and are harder to defend.
This program allows first-time offenders to avoid having a conviction on their record. Under the Georgia First Offender Act, eligible defendants can complete probation, treatment, and other requirements instead of facing a conviction.
Requirements typically include probation supervision, community service, drug treatment or counseling, regular drug testing, and court appearances.
First-time marijuana possession offenders (less than one ounce) may qualify for conditional discharge. This allows the court to dismiss charges after completing probation requirements, including drug education programs and community service.
Some counties offer pretrial diversion programs that allow charges to be dismissed before trial. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities supports these programs. They typically require completion of drug education courses, community service, regular check-ins with probation, and clean drug tests.
When you’re charged with drug crimes, you face two separate battles: criminal court and university disciplinary action. Both can severely impact your future.
Under Board of Regents Policy, students convicted of drug felonies face mandatory suspension or expulsion and forfeiture of academic credit. This applies to all University System of Georgia schools.
Universities can take disciplinary action even before criminal court resolution, including interim suspension pending criminal case, permanent expulsion for drug convictions, loss of scholarships and financial aid, removal from campus housing, and prohibition from campus activities.
University disciplinary proceedings often move faster than criminal cases. This creates pressure to resolve university charges quickly, which can hurt your criminal defense.
For college students, drug charges threaten more than just criminal penalties. Your education, career prospects, and financial aid eligibility are all at risk.
You need a legal team that understands both criminal law and university disciplinary procedures. At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we defend people in their teens and twenties facing these dual challenges.
Our approach focuses on your long-term goals. We work to secure admission to alternative programs, minimize university disciplinary consequences, preserve your educational opportunities, and protect your professional licensing eligibility.
Drug cases and university proceedings move quickly. We begin working immediately to protect your rights in both arenas, gathering evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and coordinating with university officials.
A drug conviction can make you ineligible for federal financial aid under certain circumstances. However, completing a qualified drug rehabilitation program can restore eligibility. Some convictions only affect aid for a limited time, while others may have permanent consequences.
Many graduate and professional programs ask about criminal history during the application process. A drug conviction won’t automatically disqualify you, but it could affect your admission chances, especially for programs requiring professional licensing like medicine, law, or teaching.
Transferring schools while facing criminal charges is complicated. The new school may not accept you with pending charges, and you’ll need to disclose the situation during the application process. It’s better to resolve the charges at your current school when possible.
On-campus drug possession typically results in both criminal charges and university disciplinary action. Campus police often work with local law enforcement, and evidence from your dorm room can be used in both proceedings. You’ll likely face immediate removal from campus housing.
In Georgia, most drug convictions remain on your criminal record permanently unless sealed or expunged. However, successful completion of programs like the First Offender Act or conditional discharge can prevent convictions from appearing on your record.
If you’re facing drug charges as a college student, every day you wait makes the situation worse. The criminal case is building momentum. The university is moving forward with disciplinary action. Your future is hanging in the balance.
At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we understand that people in their teens and twenties make mistakes. We also understand that one mistake shouldn’t destroy your entire future.
Don’t let drug charges derail your dreams. Your education matters. Your future matters. Let us help you protect both.
Call our office now to schedule your consultation. This might be the most important phone call you make for your future.
Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm 691 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE unit 225, Atlanta, GA 30312
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